Douglas sorry over US anthem controversy
US gymnast Gabby Douglas has apologised for failing to put her hand on her heart during the American national anthem at an Olympic gold medal ceremony.
As her four teammates -- Simone Biles, Aly Raisman, Madison Kocian and Laurie Hernandez -- stood at full attention with their hands over their hearts, Douglas looked almost dejected with her hands casually in front of her.
Her behaviour on the podium sparked a Twitter backlash.
"In response to a few tweets I saw tonight, I always stand at attention out of respect for our country whenever the national anthem is played," Douglas responded on Twitter.
"I never meant any disrespect and apologize if I offended anyone. I'm so overwhelmed at what our team accomplished today and overjoyed that we were able to bring home another gold for our country!"
The first African-American to win all-around gold, Douglas's title defence ended on Sunday when she failed to advance to Thursday night's final.
She took a third Olympic gold on Tuesday when the US women defended their team title, and could claim another medal in Sunday's uneven bars final.
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